Definition

1. Noun:
   • An illegal daily lottery: A form of illegal gambling, often run by organized crime, where participants bet on a series of numbers. The winning number is typically derived from a publicly verifiable source, such as financial statistics or race results.

Usage

• The term "numbers racket" is used to describe the specific illegal gambling operation itself.
• It functions as a singular noun but can refer to the concept or multiple instances of such operations.
• Example:

Examples

• Noun:
  • He was arrested for running a numbers racket out of the back of his shop.
  • Before state lotteries were legalized, the numbers racket was widespread in many cities.

Advanced Usage

• "To be in the numbers racket": To be involved in operating or participating in this illegal lottery.
  • Rumors said he made his fortune in the numbers racket.

Variants and Related Words

• Numbers game (n): A synonym for "numbers racket," often used interchangeably.
  • The "numbers game" was a common form of gambling in the early 20th century.
• Policy racket (n): A historical term for a similar illegal lottery.

Synonyms

• Illegal lottery
• Numbers game
• Policy game (historical)

Related Phrases

• Playing the numbers: The act of placing a bet in a numbers racket.
  • Many people played the numbers, hoping for a big win.

Noun

1. an illegal daily lottery